I'd say go for it man. It's something you've wanted to do and it's your life. If you think you are going to enjoy it then dont let others opinions keep you from it. I know several people that ride. The safe riders, crazy riders....riders that are new and experienced. They all love it and they are trying to talk me into getting one.
If you decide to get a bike, I cannot stress how important it is for you to be mindful of your surroundings on the bike at all times when on the road. I took the rider safety course and rode a couple of times, but I just don't feel comfortable on a bike. There are too many people on the road that don't look out for other cars much less a motorcycle. My advice is to ride in a group if you can and try to wear something that has color (bright jacket or helmet) to make yourself more visible on the road. Just be sure to be careful and good luck riding.
Sorry to hear about your soon to be ex situation. But anyways.. like someone previously had mentioned, getting a bike would be nice if you drive it carefully. As far as the specific bike goes though, I would go for a Vespa. Those are nice little cute bikes and you can't go on highways with them hence minimizing the chances of a fatal accident.
A Vespa at 39 would harbor more than a deep seated youthful regret.... I'd get the bike. There's always places to drive around without worry, and despite the knock about the midlife thing, you are only 39 once. Just realize that you're buying more than a bike.
If it's been a lifelong dream, I say pursue it. Take the MSF course, buy good protective gear, and practice before taking on heavy traffic.
At 39 you're old enough for a bike. I rode one from age 17 to 26. When I bought a convertible I found I was no longer riding. My advise: Buy used. Ideally from someone who bought new and then decided (or his significant other decided) a bike wasn't for him or her. Good full helmet and gear. Don't race or ride between lanes (this is easier to comprehend when you're 39 instead of 17) Take a safety course. A couple things that struck me from my safety course -- (my percentages may be off -- and are way out of date -- but the general gist is right). About 80% of MC accidents are single vehicle. Speed, control and judgement are bigger threats than the inattentive driver. In more than 50% of MC accidents the rider had been drinking. NOt fall down drunk...but even a slight buzz can be dangerous. I've been eyeing bikes lately too! But not for a while, I'm afraid. Have fun.
i want a sv650s real bad.... Bikes arent that bad. if anything everyone on the street has their eye out for you... they dont want to be the person who kills the biker... just stay safe urself and u should be fine...
I said "no" because: 1.) Known a few people who died due to wrecks 2.) Known a few people who wrecked and will never ride anymore 3.) It's not frequently what you do on it versus what other people do around you when you're riding. A friend of mine ate pavement at 50+ mph and severely screwed himself and his girlfriend up because a trailer pulled out in front of them on a freeway out of nowhere. Several months later...he is almost back to his old self but has sworn off the Harley. That said...Neil Peart of Rush is an avid rider who rides from city to city while touring. He's traveled a lot of miles on one with no serious injury and, at times, no will to live. He has endured over the years and wouldn't be without the bike. He swears by it and finds it highly rewarding. It's unbelievable he's never had a serious accident. He is the ultimate in careful but, there again, it's what other people do a lot of the time. So, I consider him very lucky as well. I remember watching Ewan McGregor's documentary where he rode all over in places like Mongolia and Russia over some very inhospitable terrain. He made it through a lot only to be hit from behind at 50+ mph near the end of his tour driving through the US. Some teenager on a cell-phone rammed him from behind on a freeway and pushed him forward at high velocity. Luckily, he was able to stay on and maneuver without crashing but he could have easily lost control. IMO, he should be deader than a Jedi right now. So, while I say "no", I know I am missing out on what riding brings. Some people would rather die than live without the ride. You have to make the decision under no delusions...hitting the ground at high velocity is bad for the body. lol
have you see 'the long way round' with ewan macgregor? i love bikes. i live in nyc so i have a moped.. but if i ever move out of the city, i would get one. as others have said, be careful, always signal and from an accident i had in malaysia.. watch the slippery roads right after the rain. it really is an exhilaration. be careful!
My boss got in a motorcycle wreck on sunday. I don't know any details except that he was wearing his helmet. Broken legs, broken ribs. Lacerated liver. Swelling on the brain and a coma. The doctors had to drill a hole in his head yesterday to remove the pressure and prevent (further?) brain damage. He is still unconcious. I was thinking about getting a bike myself, but not anymore.
I would definitely get the bike, but be smart. Obviously, don't skimp on the leathers/armor, have respect for your bike, and assume that you are invisible on the road. I've got an '01 GSXR 750 and I can definitely tell you riding is a joy. I love riding but you never know when something bad will happen. Like the cliche goes, it'll It's not a matter of "if" you lay it down, but "when." Have fun and try to go out with some riding buddies.
Abso - freaking - lutely!!!! I used to think that I would never get one because I can control what I do as a responsible rider, what others do would get me killed. That's probably true in the car I drive too since damn near everyone else is in a damn MONSTER SUV. So go for it dude. and I respect the hell out of your choice of bike. No crotch rockets.
If I were me, I wouldn't... but this said if I were you, and it's obvious that you want it or you wouldn't have posted all this. So... go for it, just use a helmet at all times...
